The acai berry is one of the healthiest berries you will ever come across. The little purple fruit which comes from the acai palm looks very similar to a small grape. It is commonly found in the Amazon rainforest and boasts healing, stimulating and energy enhancing properties. It’s known as one of the best superfoods you can include in your diet, and has become synonymous with slowing down the signs of ageing, as its high nutritional content outweighs the number of calories it contains. Its popularity has grown rapidly in recent years, and it is known to have extensive health benefits due to its high antioxidant levels. We’ve taken a look at some of the ways the acai berry can help your health. Cardiovascular Health The antioxidants found in acai berries, anthocyanins, are excellent for heart health (they are also what gives purple fruits, flowers and berries their vibrant colour!). Associated with the ability to lower cholesterol, they stop oxidisation occurring in the arteries. When oxidisation happens, plaque builds up on the artery walls, blocking them and eventually leading to higher blood pressure. Acai berries also have a large number of plant sterols, which relax blood vessels, preventing clots that can lead to strokes and heart attacks. Weight Loss The superfood can not only help with weight loss, but can also help you maintain a healthy weight once you reach your target. Research has shown that the pulp of the fruit can reduce harmful effects caused by a high-fat diet. One study has shown that 30 days of eating acai berries resulted in lower insulin and glucose levels, as well as lower cholesterol. The relationship between acai berries and weight loss is still being researched, but what we do know is that there is a high fibre content, which can reduce appetite and stop hunger pains associated with overeating and weight gain. Skin Health The relationship between acai and skin health is very well known and many people can benefit from adding this to their skincare regime. The berry's benefits have not been a recent discovery in the beauty world as the indigenous people of Brazil have been eating acai berries for generations to reduce the number of skin conditions they get, which results in a healthy and attractive glow. Acai oil is often used in cosmetics due to the antioxidants ability to reduce irritation, redness and for its hydrating and moisturising effects. You can find it in hydrating and firming skin care, such as the Trilogy Ultra Hydrating Face Cream and Odacite Youthful Glow Serum Concentrate. Their antioxidant properties also have incredible benefits in reversing oxidative damage to the skin, which can cause the appearance of premature ageing. In fact, a single acai berry holds ten times the amount of antioxidants as a single grape and two times the amount as a blueberry. So, if you are looking for protected, hydrated skin, then start adding acai into your diet. Energy Booster Due to its overall health benefits, including acai into your daily routine can lead to an increased level of stamina and a burst of energy, without the feeling of crashing shortly after which can come with other energy enhancers such as caffeine. The extra power can help you overcome the feeling of fatigue or exhaustion you may be experiencing. You can take on the benefits of acai by eating the actual fruit, taking a supplement which contains acai powder such as GP Nutrition Restore Me, adding acai powder to breakfasts and smoothies such as the Naturya Organic Acai Powder or introducing the skin-loving ingredient into your skincare routine with a product such as Antipodes Worship Superfruit Antioxidant Serum. For more skincare which contains this antioxidant-rich ingredient, shop here: Naturisimo
